Schacht End Delivery Shuttle

An end delivery shuttle, also called an end feed shuttle, carries its weft on a pirn that stays put instead of a bobbin that spins. The yarn pulls off the tip of the pirn and passes between a pair of tension pads on its way out, so it leaves the shuttle at the same tension on every pick. That even delivery is what reduces draw-in and gives you a better selvedge, and it's the reason weavers who've been fighting their edges tend to switch to one of these and stay switched.

Because the pirn doesn't spin, the yarn stops feeding the moment the shuttle stops moving. There's no overrun to unwind at the far side, so you can throw harder and weave faster than you would with a boat shuttle.

Choosing between the 12 inch and the 15 inch

The size sets which pirn the shuttle takes, and that's the practical difference between them. The 12 inch takes 6 inch pirns. The 15 inch takes 8 inch pirns, which hold more weft, so on a wide warp you'll stop to change pirns less often. Past that, pick the one you can throw and catch comfortably at the width you actually weave.

What you'll need with it

The hex wrench for setting the tension comes in the box. You set the pads for the yarn you're using and then leave them alone.

Pirns are a separate purchase, so add a pack of Schacht plastic pirns in the size your shuttle takes. They come five to a pack.

Pirns wind on a double end or an electric bobbin winder. The single end winder handles bobbins only, so if that's what's on your bench, one of the double end models is the piece to add.

Setting the tension

Wind a pirn, thread the shuttle and weave a few inches, then look at your selvedge rather than at the shuttle. Edges pulling in means the pads are gripping too hard. Loops standing proud at the edge means they aren't gripping enough. Move the wrench a little at a time until the weft lays in and the edge stays where you put it.

Made in Boulder

Schacht has built its tools in Boulder, Colorado since 1969, and this shuttle is hardwood out of that same shop.

More options in weaving shuttles and across the Schacht Spindle Co. range.